"Martial ways without realizing the 'Mind' is nothing but beastly behavior."
– Omori Sōgen Rotaishi
Iaido
(The Way of Drawing the Sword)
Iaido is the Japanese martial art of drawing and responding instantly with the sword — cultivating presence, precision, and calm action under pressure. Each movement is performed with focused intent, emphasizing correct posture, smooth blade control, awareness, and mental composure.
At Kogetsukai, students practice both the modern standardized curriculum of Zen Nihon Kendō Renmei Seitei Iaido (ZNKR) and classical training within the Sugawara Sōgō Budō line, including Katori Shintō-ryū Iai.
Our Training
Students begin with the twelve standardized kata of ZNKR Seitei Iaido, drawn from major sword lineages including Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū, Musō Shinden-ryū, Mugai-ryū, and others. These forms establish a consistent foundation in:
Students begin with the twelve standardized kata of ZNKR Seitei Iaido, drawn from major sword lineages including Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū, Musō Shinden-ryū, Mugai-ryū, and others.
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These forms establish a consistent foundation in:
- Proper drawing techniques (nukitsuke)
- Smooth blade cuts (kirioroshi)
- Correct sheathing (noto)
- Posture, footwork, breathing, and spatial awareness
Training progresses gradually with strong emphasis on safety, etiquette, and technical precision while cultivating calm presence and mental clarity alongside physical skill.
Students may enter deeper classical study through Sugawara Sōgō Budō – Katori Shintō-ryū Iaijutsu. This training expands understanding of distance (maai), timing, intent, battlefield awareness, and paired principles that historically informed solo iai practice.
Together, these systems provide both a clear modern entry path and a direct connection to living koryū tradition.
(tap to expand)
These forms establish a consistent foundation in:
- Proper drawing techniques (nukitsuke)
- Smooth blade cuts (kirioroshi)
- Correct sheathing (noto)
- Posture, footwork, breathing, and spatial awareness
Training progresses gradually with strong emphasis on safety, etiquette, and technical precision while cultivating calm presence and mental clarity alongside physical skill.
Students may enter deeper classical study through Sugawara Sōgō Budō – Katori Shintō-ryū Iaijutsu. This training expands understanding of distance (maai), timing, intent, battlefield awareness, and paired principles that historically informed solo iai practice.
Together, these systems provide both a clear modern entry path and a direct connection to living koryū tradition.
- Proper drawing techniques (nukitsuke)
- Smooth blade cuts (kirioroshi)
- Correct sheathing (noto)
- Posture, footwork, breathing, and spatial awareness
Training progresses gradually with strong emphasis on safety, etiquette, and technical precision while cultivating calm presence and mental clarity alongside physical skill.
Students may enter deeper classical study through Sugawara Sōgō Budō – Katori Shintō-ryū Iaijutsu. This training expands understanding of distance (maai), timing, intent, battlefield awareness, and paired principles that historically informed solo iai practice.
Together, these systems provide both a clear modern entry path and a direct connection to living koryū tradition.
Who Can Train?
Iaido is open to teens and adults of all experience levels. No prior martial arts background is required.
Training is:Iaido is open to teens and adults of all experience levels. No prior martial arts background is required.
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Training is:
- Low-impact and physically accessible
- Individual-focused with structured mentorship
- Mindful and meditative
- Rooted in etiquette and discipline
- Low-impact and physically accessible
- Individual-focused with structured mentorship
- Mindful and meditative
- Rooted in etiquette and discipline
Equipment
Loaner swords are available for new students.
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- Beginners train with a Bokutō (wooden sword) with Saya (scabbard)
- As students progress they practice with an iaitō (blunt zinc aluminum sword)
- Live blades are not required and are only introduced later with instructor approval.
- Beginners train with a Bokutō (wooden sword) with Saya (scabbard)
- As students progress they practice with an iaitō (blunt zinc aluminum sword)
- Live blades are not required and are only introduced later with instructor approval.
Lineage & Affiliation
Kogetsukai’s Iaido training includes:
- Zen Nihon Kendō Renmei (ZNKR) Seitei Iaido
- Sugawara Sōgō Budō – Katori Shintō-ryū Iai
Training is supervised under Peter Boylan Sensei (Michigan Koryū Kenkyukai) via the Midwest Kendō Federation and the All United States Kendō Federation (AUSKF).
Start Your Free Intro Class Today
Iaido
(The Way of Drawing the Sword)
Sundays
Thursdays
-
1:00 – 2:45 pm
-
8:30 – 10:00 pm
Sundays
-
1:00 – 2:45 pm
Thursdays
-
8:30 – 10:00 pm
Kogetsukai Training Fee
$50
a month
Includes access to all adult martial arts classes offered by Kogetsukai.
(Iaido, Kenjutsu, and Jodo)
1. Mae
(Front )
2. Ushiro
( Rear )
3. Ukenagashi
( Deflect and pass )
4. Tsuka-ate
( Handle strike )
5. Kesagiri
( Diagonal cut )
6. Morote tsuki
( Two-handed thrust )
7. Sanpo giri
( Three-directional Cut )
8. Ganmen ate
( Striking the Face )
9. Soete tsuki
(Appendix thrust)
10. Shihogiri
( Four-way cutting )
11. Sogiri
( All-around cutting )
12. Nukiuchi
( Sudden draw )
1. Mae
(Front )
2. Ushiro
( Rear )
3. Ukenagashi
( Deflect and pass )
4. Tsuka-ate
( Handle strike )
5. Kesagiri
( Diagonal cut )
6. Morote tsuki
( Two-handed thrust )
7. Sanpo giri
( Three-directional Cut )
8. Ganmen ate
( Striking the Face )
9. Soete tsuki
(Appendix thrust)
10. Shihogiri
( Four-way cutting )
11. Sogiri
( All-around cutting )
12. Nukiuchi
( Sudden draw )
KOGETSUKAI
at Daiyuzenji Temple
3717 N. Ravenswood Ave. #112
Chicago IL 60613
Kogetsukai trains at Daiyuzenji Zen Temple, our
long-standing training home in Chicago.
Lets Train Together
Rising Moon Warriors is a youth program of Kogetsukai, NFP, a federally recognized 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization (EIN: 33-1612535). Donations support our children’s programs, equipment, and community initiatives. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
© 2024, Kogetsukai, NFP — All Rights Reserved. Chicago, Illinois No goods or services were provided in exchange for contributions unless otherwise noted.